The Pig Society project came about for two reasons; as a response to the need for an orchard and as another one of the many self supportive groups run by Tamar Grow Local. The Harrowbarrow and Metherell orchard scrub land was out of control, so the pigs were bought and used to clear the land of scrub.

“It is about encouraging the community to be self-sufficient in their involvement and understanding of where food comes from,” says Simon Platton, manager of Tamar Grow Local. “People noted in war times that pigs were great to farm because compared to other farm animals they don’t need quite as much. They were a great way to get meat and they brought the community together. The first year was very trial and error but we are confident in what we are doing now and would like to replicate this pig farming model in other valleys and maybe get another new plot for pigs next year.”

How many people are involved?

In the first year there were eight families and six pigs. The group is now in the fourth year, with 11 families and 7 pigs. There is also the half a pig scheme; this requires a lower level of engagement with the animal which suits a lot of people better.

What happens?

“The pigs have to be checked twice a day, just to check they’re all alright (they can be a bit feisty, getting into fights albeit rarely) and to be fed. We are geared around animal welfare.”

The pigs are bought at three months old and kept for another 4 ½ months until they are at an age where they can be taken to the abattoir to be butchered. Two families look after the pigs for two-week slots, one household is made legally responsible for the pigs but both families look after them equally.

There is regular work to be done clearing the site and doing electricity checks three to four times a month.

Does the group get funding?

The orchard fence was put up first and there was no funding for that, it was entirely supported by the orchard group originally. “In the first year we bought the pig arch and many materials were borrowed to start off with. In the second year we bought the electric fence. Each family spends £50 a year and the surplus each year is where we get money to buy new equipment.”

Even the sausage making has been self-funded; one of the members workers had industrial standard sausage making equipment (he had previously owned pigs) so they’ve been able to use that to make produce for families.

“Self-financing a project like this can be a blessing and a frustration. When you do get everything together like we now have it is great; there is a real sense of ownership. However, it would have been easier with funding, it helps the project start rolling but then it’s a double-edged sword. You create a culture of dependency for yourself.”

What would they like to do next?

“This project and other food produce projects are helping to revitalise Tamar Valley as a food producing area again. We are trying to get people back into horticulture and farming production and getting it to grow in scale so if you think you can help support that please get in contact.”

What can you do to help?

You can help support Tamar Grow Local by buying products from their market although the meat from these pigs is distributed between the families that own the pigs there are many other products available from the market.

Can I set something like this up in my area?

Trying things out and making your own produce from scratch is very fulfilling, says Platton. “I would recommend anyone wanting to set up their own pig co-op to get as much legal and practical advice from another pig co-op. Go down and see how it works. In terms of getting access to land a lot of people seem to think it’s hard but it needn’t be. You can rent it on a very simple farming business tenancy.”

This article is part of the Live Better Community Project month. In September, we are showcasing 17 community projects from around the UK. We are asking you to vote for your favourite project. The project with the most votes will be awarded £1,000 of funding, and two runners-up will each receive funding of £500. One voter chosen at random will receive £150 worth of gift vouchers for Nigel’s Eco Store. Terms and conditions here.